Chronicle Live

Sandro Tonali's future is unlikely to be decided anytime soon as talks continue between the Newcastle United star's agent and Premier League clubs.

Tottenham Hotspur are the latest club to throw their hat in the ring for the Italian international, who could leave Tyneside this summer as part of a huge squad rebuild.

There has been plenty interest in Tonali, with Manchester United, Man City and Arsenal all keeping tabs on the player. The trio - who filled the top three positions in the Premier League - are all looking to strengthen their engine room this summer.

Spurs' emergence as a contender for Tonali came out of the blue. The north London outfit only escaped relegation on the final day of the season and have finished 17th two seasons in a row. However, they have held talks with Tonali's representatives over a potential transfer, with the player himself said to be 'keen' on a move.

Tottenham are being backed by the Lewis family, who own the club and are willing to invest heavily this summer.

Spurs last night had a whopping £52million bid for Brighton's Jan Paul van Hecke accepted - as well as the Seagulls insisting on a 20% sell-on clause. It is a huge sum for a centre-half who has just 12 months left on his contract, but sets a benchmark, as does Man City's pursuit of Elliot Anderson. As good as the Whitley Bay lad is, for Nottingham Forest to reject a £120m offer shows where the market is at.

Spurs are understood to be willing to pay £85m to land Tonali but if Van Hecke is worth £52m with a year left on his deal, then Tonali - who has a contract running until 2030 - is worth at least double, especially in light of Anderson's valuation. The England man has improved no end since he left the Magpies but it's still just two years since he couldn't get in the Newcastle team ahead of the Italian.

Spurs will have to cough up if they are serious about signing Tonali - and Newcastle will hold firm.

De Zerbi is wielding his influence in north London. His stock is high after helping Spurs avoid relegation at the death, having been parachuted in with just a few games to go. The board, grateful for what he did and eager to make amends after a disastrous season, are ready to back him in the transfer market.

As well as the £52m on Van Hecke, they are trying to sign Savinho from Manchester City, with the Brazilian reportedly around the £60m mark. Throw in a £100m fee for Tonali and that would represent a £210m transfer splurge. De Zerbi is also wanting a striker this summer so that number could rise even more.

Key to it all, however, according to sources at Tottenham, is the capture of Tonali. De Zerbi has made it clear to his compatriot's representatives how his new-look team will be built around the Italy international.

Tonali came through at De Zerbi's hometown club Brescia before moving on to AC Milan and then Newcastle. This link is what Spurs hope will help sway the midfielder, along with the 'project' and a huge wage hike.

It would be a statement signing by Spurs but to secure it they must show Newcastle the money - and lots of it.

A bid has yet to be registered with Newcastle yet, although as the Magpies found out with Alexander Isak last summer that doesn't really matter. Toon chiefs are keen to avoid another transfer saga this time around but with the World Cup and other deals linked, Tonali is unlikely to exit any time soon.

Newcastle United will switch their attention to securing a new right-back - with a free agent and World Cup star on the radar.

Tino Livramento's ongoing injury issues are setting alarm bells ringing at St James' Park and with Kieran Trippier's exit, Ross Wilson will step up the bid to bring in a new defender.

Full story here

Seeing Newcastle United's best players linked with big-money moves away from St James' Park always sets alarm bells ringing in the heart of any fan.

But while Newcastle have a unique position in many respects, with PSR and PIF's constraints, they are far from alone in needing to move top players on. Just look at those who have left the so-called big six over the last five years.

Man City have sold Ferran Torres, Julian Alvarez and Leroy Sane, Liverpool sacrificed Luis Diaz, Luis Suarez and Philippe Coutinho, while Tottenham cashed in on Harry Kane and Chelsea allowed Kai Havertz, Mason Mount and Eden Hazard to leave.

Even Aston Villa have raked in huge amounts selling Jack Grealish, Jhon Duran and Moussa Diaby, and yet continue to grow under Unai Emery.

It all hinges on getting recruitment right.

OPINION

Back on transfers, and when Spurs and Newcastle talk transfer fees for Sandro Tonali, they should reference the deal for Jan Paul van Hecke.

Tottenham Hotspur have agreed a £52m deal with Brighton for the Dutch defender despite him having just a year left on his current Seagulls contract.

Van Hecke will link back up with Roberto De Zerbi..

Remarkably, the deal also includes a significant sell-on clause - believed to be around 20% - with Brighton profiting further should Spurs sell the player.

The Victor Munoz deal continues to rumble on. The player's participation in the World Cup isn't helping matters but negotiations are ongoing between Newcastle and Osasuna (and Real Madrid) and talks remain positive.

Newcastle believe they are close to an agreement with just a handful of clauses to iron out. Munoz wants to move to St James' Park, is happy with the personal terms and wants the deal sorted as soon as possible.

After the news broke yesterday of Tottenham Hotspur's interest in Sandro Tonali, it has alerted Arsenal to the situation regarding the Italian midfielder. Whether that was the intention or not, you can draw your own conclusions.

What is clear, however, is that Tonali's representatives are pushing for a transfer. He has been offered to a number of clubs - Spurs, Arsenal, Man United and even contact made with Real Madrid.

Tonali would prefer a move back to Italy but Serie A clubs - Juventus being the prime destination - simply don't have the funds to pay the £100m fee. Juve failed to qualify for the Champions League next season which put a dent in their finances.

This is a saga that looks set to run and run. Belief behind the scenes at St James' Park is that Tonali will go in the summer, with the Telegraph claiming the smart money is on Arsenal despite Spurs' interest. Don't rule out Man City, however, if their bid for Elliot Anderson continues to fall on deaf ears.

Good morning and welcome to a new day of transfer news from Newcastle United.

We'll have all the latest from St James' Park as the window hots up with both incomings and outgoings. Victor Munoz, Sandro Tonali, James Trafford and more are all making the headlines today. Stay with us for all the details.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly keen to sign Newcastle United's Sandro Tonali, with the player said to be open to moving to the North London club.

In what would be an incredibly surprising move, Roberto De Zerbi's Spurs have made the Italian their No 1 signing priority this summer, with moves afoot to secure a deal.

Newcastle have not received any bids for Tonali, and are unlikely to sell for anything less than £100m, with strong interest from Arsenal and Manchester City, plus European giants such as PSG and Real Madrid monitoring the situation.

Manchester United have been linked with the Italian international, but reports suggest they will turn their attentions elsewhere after learning Newcastle's price tag.

FOLLOW ON FACEBOOK!Keep up with all the Newcastle United latest via the Chronicle’s dedicated Facebook page

Tonali signed for United in 2023, but missed 10 months of his debut season after receiving a ban for gambling-related offences. However, he has since become a key part of Eddie Howe's side, although with the club needing to sell in order to help fund a squad rebuild, he is one of the names linked with an exit.

United sold Anthony Gordon to Barcelona for £69.3m last month, and there are expected to be more big-name departures in the summer transfer window.

However, if Tonali was to leave, Newcastle would then double down on their intentions to keep rising stars such as Lewis Hall and Tino Livramento.

Spurs are stooges - Chronicle verdict

Let's get this straight. Sandro Tonali is not leaving Newcastle United for any side not playing Champions League football next season, which is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Spurs.

Not only have the North London side struggled at the wrong end of the Premier League table for two seasons in a row now, but they, like Newcastle, will not be competing in Europe next term. They only avoided relegation on the final day of the season, in case anyone needs reminding.

Then there's the small matter of the price tag. United are not going to let the Italian leave for anything less than the £100m mark, which feels a fair price for one of the best central midfielders in the Premier League. The fact Manchester City and Arsenal like him tells you everything you need to know about his ability and value.

The idea of Spurs being able to afford that sort of fee is fanciful at best. De Zerbi would have to sell half his squad to fund such a move, and while few Tottenham fans would complain at that, it's not going to happen.

Tonali is ambitious. He wants to win trophies and has all the attributes to play at the very highest level. So why on earth would he be attracted to Spurs?

Maybe we're being sceptical, but could this is a ruse to flush out would-be bidders, with transfer talk involving the Italian international going noticeably quiet since the season ended? If City sign Elliot Anderson and Man Utd bring in West Ham's Matheus Fernandes, where does that leave Tonali?

His agent Giuseppe Riso is not usually shy of throwing his name around, but on this occasion, he is perhaps allowing others to stir the pot.

It may well work, but Spurs will be nothing more than the stooges in all this.

The Blues needed to drop points against Tottenham Hotspur at Stamford Bridge to make Sunday interesting for Newcastle and Eddie Howe

Newcastle United's slim hopes of qualifying for Europe in the last week of the season have been extinguished by Chelsea.

Goals from Enzo Fernandez and Andrey Santos were enough to see off Spurs in the London derby on Tuesday night with Richarlison's goal not enough to spark a comeback. It means the dream of European football for Newcastle is officially over with one game to spare.

The Blues - lifted by the arrival of Xabi Alonso as new manager - picked up a home victory against Tottenham Hotspur to climb into eighth place in the Premier League table. And that means that United will not be able to edge their way into the last European place and participate in the Europa Conference League next season, even if they beat Fulham at Craven Cottage on Sunday night.

Chelsea now sit on 52 points leaving them in the driving seat for Sunday's trip to Sunderland this weekend. With Brentford facing Liverpool away, the Bees could still push their way into contention for the Conference League too, but they may need to win at Anfield.

For the Black Cats and Chelsea, Sunday could be a straight shoot out for Europe but as far as Newcastle are concerned the slight hopes they had are over before a ball is kicked at Fulham.

Speaking on playing for pride, Howe said after the 3-1 win over West Ham: "It would have been easy for people to look at this and say Newcastle had nothing to play for - but we have a duty to be at our very best and I'm pleased with how we went about it.

"We have a lot of players who play with pride and would never want to let the club down."

Newcastle could still finish in the top 10 if they beat the Cottagers in the capital, and a victory could also see them finish above rivals Sunderland if they did blow it against Chelsea. Howe is also trying to avoid his lowest finish as boss after ending the 2021/22 campaign in 11th spot.

Tottenham's failure to win means they face a nervous clash against Everton on the final day as they can still be caught by West Ham. The Hammers face a home clash against Leeds United at the London Stadium.

Failure to qualify for Europe is a major dent for Newcastle, especially after they threw away 27 points from winning positions this term. With extra European places up for grabs, the campaign will be looked at as a disappointment by many fans who backed them up and down the country and on the Continent this season.

On a night of thrills and spills, Bournemouth's 2-1 win over Man City handed Arsenal the title and guaranteed the Cherries a place in Europe.

Get Chronicle Premium now for just £1 HERE – exclusive news and features, our NUFC and Academy notebooks, John Gibson's columns plus an ad-lite experience

Make sure you don't miss out on the latest NUFC news by joining our free WhatsApp group. You can get all the breaking news and best analysis sent straight to your phone by clicking here to subscribe. You can also subscribe to our free newsletter service. Click here to be sent all the day's biggest stories.

Sunderland AFC have taken swift action after Brian Brobbey was on the receiving end of vile racist abuse in the aftermath of Sunday's 1-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur

Sunderland AFC have released a statement after Brian Brobbey was targeted by abhorrent online racist abuse on Sunday.

The Black Cats ran out 1-0 winners over Tottenham Hotspur at the Stadium of Light, Nordi Mukiele's second-half strike making the difference in the encounter. However, in the aftermath, Brobbey's Instagram page was flooded by racist comments from hateful online social media users.

In the aftermath, Sunderland AFC have now released a statement to confirm they have taken action. It read: "Sunderland AFC condemns in the strongest possible terms the racist abuse directed at Brian Brobbey on social media following Sunday's fixture against Tottenham Hotspur.

"We stand firmly with Brian and offer him our full and unwavering support. This is not an isolated incident.

"Recent abuse directed at Romaine Mundle and Lutsharel Geertruida highlights the ongoing and unacceptable frequency of this behaviour, both inside stadiums and online.

"The club has reported the incident to the Premier League, the relevant social media platforms, and the police, and we expect swift action to be taken against those responsible.

"Racism is abhorrent and has no place in or game or in society, and we will continue to call it out clearly and unapologetically every time it occurs.

JOIN US ON FACEBOOK!Follow the Chronicle’s Sunderland AFC page for more news and analysis

"Football must be a safe and inclusive environment for all - without exception."

It comes as a number of Sunderland players have been on the receiving end of racist abuse this season.

The club confirmed that they were "working with the relevant authorities and online platforms to identify those responsible" and pledged to take the "strongest possible action" in February, when Mundle was targeted by hateful online comments.

Meanwhile, Newcastle United also released a statement when Geertruida was reportedly targeted with in-person abuse by a crowd member at St James' Park in last month's Tyne-Wear Derby.

They wrote: "We are aware of a report of racism made by a visiting player against someone in the crowd during our Premier League match against Sunderland.

"Our stance is clear - we do not tolerate discrimination of any form.

"We will work with the authorities to fully investigate and will ensure any individuals are identified and held accountable."

Several players could miss Sunderland vs Tottenham Hotspur at the Stadium of Light, with both Regis Le Bris and Roberto De Zerbi managing mounting injury issues

Regis Le Bris has ruled out six Sunderland players for the Premier League match against an injury-hit Tottenham Hotspur at the Stadium of Light.

Dan Ballard (hamstring) and Nilson Angulo (muscle) are both close to returning, but the Spurs match comes too soon for the pair. Bertrand Traore (knee), Jocelin Ta Bi (ankle), Romaine Mundle (hamstring) and Simon Moore (hand) are also still sidelined.

Le Bris, however, said the rest of the group are available, so Robin Roefs is back in contention after recovering from a hamstring injury. Enzo Le Fee, Nordi Mukiele and Reinildo are three more who the head coach can call on again.

Roberto De Zerbi, meanwhile, could find himself short of 10 players for his debut as the new Tottenham head coach. Dejan Kulusevski (knee), James Maddison (knee), Mohammed Kudus (thigh) and Wilson Odobert (knee) are all long-term casualties and remain on the sidelines.

Ben Davies (ankle) is pencilled in to return in late April. Guglielmo Vicario (hernia) and Rodrigo Bentancur (hamstring) are in a race to prove their fitness ahead of next week's home match against Brighton & Hove Albion, but will not feature at the Stadium of Light.

Mathys Tel (knock), Pape Matar Sarr (shoulder) and Yves Bissouma (knock) are all sweating on their availability for Sunday's fixture.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference, De Zerbi first provided an update on Kudus, who has suffered a setback in his recovery from a lengthy quadricep injury.

Their head coach said: "I started not with too big luck, but yes, Kudus was in my head a crucial player, especially for the position, but we have to look forward anyway.

"I think we have a lot of very good attackers, and we have to help them, to put them in the best condition to show their qualities, because [Randal] Kolo Muani, I know he's not playing a great season, but he's a good player.

De Zerbi then addressed Vicario, who underwent hernia surgery following the 3-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest last time out. He said: "Vicario is not ready for this game. I hope he comes back earlier next week, but I don't know yet."

Bentancur is also edging closer to returning from a thigh problem. De Zerbi said he "is working with us, but not completely, but we are enough to fight, to play and to make points."

Sunderland host Tottenham Hotspur at the Stadium of Light on Sunday

Depleted Spurs could be without up to 10 players for their trip to Sunderland on Sunday with Roberto De Zerbi facing a major selection headache ahead of his first game in charge.

Injury concerns continue to mount for the north London club ahead of a crucial fixture, particularly for the visitors who are battling against relegation to the Championship.

Long-term knee injuries to Wilson Odobert and Dejan Kulusevski are expected to keep both out, while James Maddison remains sidelined with a knee injury. Rodrigo Bentancur, Mohammed Kudus, Ben Davies and Guglielmo Vicario are all targeting returns this month, but are unlikely to be risked.

JOIN US ON FACEBOOK!Follow the Chronicle’s Sunderland AFC page for more news and analysis

Yves Bissouma and Mathys Tel are also doubts with knocks – though the former was spotted in training recently – further limiting De Zerbi’s options as he prepares for his first game in charge.

There are also fresh concerns over Pape Matar Sarr. The midfielder picked up a shoulder injury while on international duty with Senegal and missed their recent win over Gambia. He has not yet been seen in training since returning to the club, casting doubt over his involvement this weekend.

A clearer picture is expected when De Zerbi speaks to the press for the first time ahead of the game later this week, with updates likely on several key players.

For Sunderland, the timing could be significant. Régis Le Bris’ side are pushing for a top-10 finish and harbour outside hopes of a European place, while Spurs arrive on Wearside under pressure and short on numbers.

With both teams chasing very different objectives, the availability of De Zerbi’s squad could prove decisive.

Make sure you don't miss out on the latest SAFC news by joining our free WhatsApp group. You can get all the breaking news and best analysis sent straight to your phone by clicking here to subscribe.

Exclusive: Eddie Howe has made it clear he won't walk away from Newcastle United

Eddie Howe has made it crystal clear he has no interest in managing anybody but Newcastle United despite ongoing talk about his future.

With the England conversation now closed - after Thomas Tuchel committed himself to the Three Lions until 2028 - speculation linked Howe with the Tottenham Hotspur job, with Igor Tudor only in charge until the end of the season. Man United are also undecided on whether Michael Carrick stays on beyond May and Howe is believed to be on the Red Devils' radar.

But Howe explained to ChronicleLive exclusively from Baku that he sees Newcastle as a 'long-term and exciting project', and reiterated his feelings haven't changed since he told me back in October that he was 'all in' at the club.

"I'm still in it for the long haul," he said. "All of those things haven’t changed for me.

"There’s got to be a good feeling, there’s got to be the team moving forward, there’s got to be the players playing for us and showing that every week.

"They’re always the most important people, the players, and how they feel and how they play. Me, personally, I’m really happy as long as the team’s playing well."

ChronicleLive also caught up with supporters in Baku on the eve of the game with many of them backing Howe despite online critics making plenty of noise in light of recent defeats.

One fan, Gary from North Tyneside, said: "It winds me up when I see people having a go at Eddie, for what he has achieved at this club.

"He should be looked at as Kevin Keegan was. For me, he will always be an iconic figure, and I don't say this lightly, but he's up there with Keegan and Peter Beardsley in terms of black and white icons."

When those comments were relayed to Howe during a chat in a dimly lit corridor at the Tofiq Bahramov Republican Stadium, he was overwhelmed by the backing.

Howe said: "It means everything that. Without the supporters, you are nothing, in terms of their support and goodwill.

"I have always felt that on match days, I have never had a problem with the match day experience, of course we have played badly and people have quite rightly let us know that. In terms of the general support and feeling, I have always felt that Newcastle supporters are fully behind us."

Ensure our latest sport headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as Preferred Source in your Google search settings

Here at ChronicleLive, we are dedicated to bringing you the best Newcastle United coverage and analysis.

Make sure you don't miss out on the latest NUFC news by joining our free WhatsApp group. You can get all the breaking news and best analysis sent straight to your phone by clicking here to subscribe.

You can also subscribe to our free newsletter service. Click here to be sent all the day's biggest stories.

Anybody who writing off Kieran Trippier may well be doing so too early as the ex-Atletico Madrid and England man proved his worth at Spurs

Newcastle United looked a lot like their old selves in their big win against Tottenham Hotspur last night with Kieran Trippier a huge part of a triumphant return to his ex-employers.

Trippier had enjoyed a positive reception as he walked in the stadium at teatime on Tuesday night. And he looked determined, at 35, to show the home fans that he still had plenty to offer in the Premier League.

With his contract up at the end of the season and Newcastle still undecided whether to give him a new one, Trippier can only roll his sleeves up and play for his future - whether that's on Tyneside or elsewhere. It's worth remembering that only a few months ago, Trippier threw his hat into the England ring and volunteered his services for the Three Lions at the World Cup.

After a tough performance against Brentford just a few days ago, in which he was outpaced by Dango Ouattara, some may say he needs to get it right at club level first. But while many groaned when the team sheets came out, and Trippier was named as right-back with Lewis Miley at home injured, he stepped up to deliver.

He showed all his experience and guile to drag Newcastle through this fixture and provided the right amount of service for Anthony Elanga to have one of his best games for the club. No Newcastle player had more touches than Trippier (74), and he had the most passes of any Toon star.

However, there was a moment in the game in which Trippier struggled to keep his emotions in check. Indeed, when Xavi Simons edged past Trippier in the second half, it looked like the ex-England man was in trouble.

But as the Dutch international went down in a heap, it became clear that Trippier was not guilty, and a yellow card was issued by Anthony Taylor after a clear dive. Trippier was disgusted with the Tottenham star and walked towards him, pointing his finger at the Dutchman.

TV replays later showed there was no contact and revealed a shocking dive, and while the resultant free-kick did break down for Newcastle, the Magpies won the ball back with Jacob Ramsey eventually slotting home the winner.

It proved to be a key moment but had wily campaigner Trippier not reacted with authority rather than losing his head, the referee could easily have been swayed the other way. If this is Trippier's last effort for Newcastle, he is determined to go about things the right way.

Little wonder it was Trippier's masterplan, along with Bruno Guimaraes, to shove Eddie Howe to the front and lap up some applause from the 3,038 travelling fans.

The away day blues ended - quite literally

The Magpies boxed off three points with a narrow win in the capital against Spurs thanks to goals from Malick Thiaw and Ramsey.

And this was the first win of the season wearing the blue away kit, at the sixth time of asking. Based on the 1997/98 away kit, a shirt that never experienced a single win in the Premier League, many fans were wondering whether this kit should be chucked into the trash can of history.

However, if Newcastle never wear it again, at least it will be a reminder of this important win over Spurs.

Ton up for Nick Pope

Nick Pope will have had more lively nights than last night in the capital as he watched on as a spectator for long periods against Spurs.

An Archie Gray goal denied him a clean sheet, but he still walked away with a win in his 100th appearance for the Magpies. He made just one save but at 33 he will take more days like this!

After suffering a couple of howlers in recent games, this was exactly what he needed. The England international has been a major part of two Champions League qualifications and will now step up to play his part in a push for another ticket to Europe.

First half stats

Here's some of the numbers from the first period which illustrates how dominant Newcastle were.

Half-time

Well that was a crazy final few minutes. The Magpies thought they'd led through Willock only for VAR to rule his eyebrows were offside. Clownshow.

But Newcastle weren't to be denied and five minutes into stoppage time, Thiaw opens the scoring. No more than they deserve!

First half ratings

Nick Pope 7

Has been a spectator so far.

Kieran Trippier 7

Has done OK and tried to get Elanga unlocked down the right.

Malick Thiaw 8

A steady shift and a goal to boot.

Sven Botman 7

Battled hard but has looked slightly vulnerable when in a foot race. Brilliant challenge on Solanke at the end of the half.

Dan Burn 6

Steady but unspectacular.

Bruno Guimaraes 7

Attempting to pick holes in the Spurs defence and getting success.

Jacob Ramsey 7

Has caused Spurs some problems and thought he'd played in Willock for the opener.

Joe Willock 8

Unlucky not to score after a harsh offside call. Nice cross to set up Thiaw.

Harvey Barnes 7

Offering Newcastle an outlet.

Anthony Elanga 8

The dangerman for Newcastle and has probed from the get go.

Anthony Gordon 6

I'm not sure he's done enough as the main striker. Has not threatened enough.

Ruled out

Offside. Goal ruled out. We are talking fractions, absolute fractions.

This is ridiculous, mind. Willock is leaning slightly ahead of Van de Ven when he latches on to a great pass from Ramsey. He turns inside the defender and bends the ball into the far corner but VAR rules his head is offside.

So unlucky. Newcastle have deserved to lead after a great first-half performance.

Frontmen quiet

It's been a quiet night so far for Gordon and Barnes. The majority of Newcastle's attacks have come down the right through Elanga. Barnes is the one they will be looking for to make the breakthrough, he's the best finisher at the club but bar the backheel he's not had a sniff.

Gordon has been on the peripherary, it doesn't feel like his game.

Nick Pope the spectator

The Toon goalkeeper has not had a great deal to do so far. He will be as frustrated as the backroom staff after Newcastle have done everything right up until the final third.

Injury break

You're not missing anything. Wilson Odobert has been down for a few minutes getting treatment. He can't continue, with Spurs picking up another injury to add to their lengthy list. Mathys Tel comes on to replace him with 34 minutes on the clock.

That's the corner count. Unfortunately Newcastle haven't come close to scoring, really, from any of them.

The Magpies' delivery tonight hasn't been the best. Guimaraes, Trippier and Elanga have all tried their hand.

No one on the end of crosses

The strange thing about this is that while the team is set up to play on the counter, using Gordon's pace in behind, they are actually dominating possession and getting loads of crossing opportunities - but don't have a central striker in the box to get on the end of them.

Tailor made in many ways for Wissa...

Fast start but issue remains

It's been a really bright, fast start by Newcastle. Eddie Howe called for it in his pre-match interview and he's got it.

But the old failing remains. Not taking chances. There hasn't been anything hugely clear-cut but Ramsey has just had a very presentable opportunity only to miskick.

Newcastle have racked the corners up. Six already inside 18 minutes. They need to score when they're on top, though.

Barnes flick

Elanga down the right again, a low cross and Harvey Barnes backheels towards goal but it's easy for the keeper.

Elanga has started really brightly here, it must be said. He looks a threat and has delivered two or three good balls into the box.

SO CLOSE

Great move by Newcastle ends with Willock on the edge of the box in space and he drags it inches wide of the far post. So close but he could have hit the target.

Side netting

Xavi Simons hits the side netting after a break from Conor Gallagher. Spurs have started to look a threat. Wilson Odobert skinned Dan Burn a couple of minutes earlier.

Newcastle have a real lack of pace at the back, especially in the full-back areas. Feels like it could be a real problem if the game gets stretched.

Early pressure

Another great ball in from Elanga but fantastic defending by Dominic Solanke, back in his own box, prevents Malick Thiaw and Sven Botman from getting on the end of it.

Positive first couple of minutes for the Magpies though.